Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-08

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people think it's better to choose friends who always have the same opinions as them. Other people believe it's good to have friends who sometimes disagree with them.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Some people prefer to have friends who share the same opinions as them, while others believe that friendships are more valuable when people can disagree with each other. Although having similar views can make a friendship more comfortable, I believe that occasional disagreement is healthier because it helps people develop broader perspectives and make better decisions.

On the one hand, people often find it easier to build strong friendships with those who think in a similar way. When friends have the same opinions, interests, and values, there are usually fewer arguments and misunderstandings. This can make the relationship more peaceful and enjoyable. For example, two friends who have similar views about lifestyle, money, or future goals may find it easier to support each other because they already understand one another's way of thinking. As a result, friendships based on shared opinions can provide a strong sense of comfort and belonging.

On the other hand, having friends who sometimes disagree can be more beneficial in the long term. Different opinions can encourage people to think more carefully about their own beliefs instead of simply accepting them without question. A friend who respectfully challenges an idea may help someone notice weaknesses in their reasoning or consider another point of view. For instance, if a person is planning to leave a stable job for a risky opportunity, a friend who disagrees may point out financial concerns that the person had not considered. Such discussions can lead to better and more balanced decisions.

In my opinion, the best friendships are not those in which people agree on everything, but those in which they can disagree respectfully. Similar values can help create a strong bond, but different opinions can encourage personal growth. Therefore, I believe that having friends who occasionally disagree is more valuable than having friends who always share the same views.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the comfort of shared opinions and the growth potential of disagreement—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the scenario regarding career changes. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame your argument, ensuring the reader understands your stance from the outset. The response is balanced, and the progression of ideas is logical, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth, using effective linking phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally, and the paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of information is seamless, making the essay easy to follow and demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'broader perspectives', 'respectfully challenges', and 'balanced decisions' show an ability to use language effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is functional rather than highly sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced collocations or idiomatic expressions. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('if a person is planning...') and concessive clauses ('Although having similar views...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that distract the reader or cause confusion. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy, which is consistent throughout the entire piece.

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